The Only Way is Essex-Mario sets the record straight

On last night’s TOWIE Mario, who bumped into ex Peri on the street, told her he head heard that she said he was only with Lucy to be the top boy in Essex, ‘It’s not true’, he said. ‘I chased Lucy for a year. It’s none of your business. You seem to be a bit bitter. Why would I pick you over Lucy?’

Peri was appalled by Mario’s comments and asked him who he thought he was speaking to her like that. ‘Do one’, said Mario.

At Joey’s pool party, Gemma told Mario he was out of order saying that to Peru as no-one wants to hear someone is prettier than them. She proceeded to tell Lucy and Mario that they need to grow up and she has had enough of listening to it.

Also on last night’s episode:

• Maria told best mate Lauren Pope it’s been the worst week of her life because of the vicious rumours about her working as an escort, when it was a promo trip to Dubai. She said she felt embarrassed and was having to confirm to her family it wasn’t true. And when Lauren asked her about Mick she said he hadn’t spoken or text her.

However Mick implied to son Kirk that wasn’t the reason why he was ignoring Maria, but because he had heard she had been seeing another guy. ‘I don’t want to be messed around anymore’, he said, before claiming that he needs to listen to his son’s advice more.

The Only Way is Essex-Mick and Maria's first date causes Gemma's jealousy

Mick and Maria went on their first date on last night’s The Only Way is Essex.

Despite Mick having to play ‘teacher’ at dinner and explain to Maria where Chile is and that we have a coalition Government, the pair both said they fancied each other and agreed to go on another date.

However, Gemma wasn’t too happy when she got hold of the news that Mick and Maria are dating.

When Lauren Pope told Gemma that Maria and Mick were out on a date, Gemma first of all thought she was joking and then told her she was a bit pissed off about it. ‘What a bitch’, she said referring to Maria.

Lauren Pope replied, ‘But it was you that set them up?’ ‘I thought they wouldn’t get on’, said Gemma. ‘That’s back-fired a bit then’, replied Popey.

‘If they (Maria and Mick) get married I’ll pelt them with eggs’, claimed Gemma, who a week ago exclaimed she was over Mick?

Also on last night’s episode

• Sam and Joey met for a drink to discuss their failed relationship and clear the air. Joey told Sam he couldn’t understand why she broke up with him. Sam told him things were moving too fast and it was just wrong timing. Joey replied that he still loved her, while Sam told him to stop as it made it harder through tears. The pair hugged and Sam left. Not sure that cleared the air?

The Only Way is Essex-Mick and Maria to marry?

Gemma’s wish to match-make the whole of Essex and rid the county of all singletons may be on the way to coming true, as lock and key couple (singles date night) Mick and Maria arranged to go for a drink on last night’s episode.

Mick asked Maria out on a date during Lauren Pope’s paintballing party, despite worries that it would cause trouble with his son Kirk, who in the past had a few run-ins with Maria over former girlfriend Lauren.

‘I think too much about Kirk. Kirk has to get over that stuff’, he said.

And wanting to clear the air herself, Maria decided to have a word with Kirk minus paintball guns. After telling him about the date with his dad, Kirk told her he thought it was weird as she is younger than his brother. However, Maria replied that she is older than him.

‘I prefer my dad to be with a woman with kids and life-experience’, admitted Kirk.

‘I’m just looking out for my dad. As long as you make him smile. I’m fed up with arguing.’

‘There might be a wedding’, said Maria. ‘Shut up’, replied Kirk.

But just as a potential relationship is starting, another may be coming to an end, as Mark gets involved in Lucy and new boyfriend Mario’s love life, even after agreeing to stay away from Lucy to Mario when they bumped into each other at the gym.

Mario told Mr Wright that he has given Lucy rules-not to speak to Mark or any of his family, and that he doesn’t have a problem with him.

‘I want you to respect the fact I’m with Lucy. I’m not going to lie, I asked her not to talk to you in a club.’

Mark replied, ‘You don’t need to feel threatened. You need to talk to her (Lucy) and get her not to talk to me. Anything you want to know ask me.’

However, Mark changed his tune after seeing Lucy in his flat modelling his sister Jess’ underwear ahead of the launch of her lingerie store.

‘You look smoking by the way’, said Mark as he stood in the doorway to his flat, while Lucy was mortified.

Perhaps Mark should take his dad’s advice, Mark senior, who for his first ever appearance on the show, told him he needed to ‘go out with the boys and see different girls-not from the same group.’

‘I’m sick of this, so is the whole family’, he told Mark Jr after he asked his dad whether he was handling the break-up in the right way.

His dad told him he had messed up Lauren’s life and now she has messed up his.

‘Make me proud’, he said.

Also on last night’s TOWIE

• Arg started his new job as a DJ on hospital radio, but he didn’t make a great impression after talking about the girls in Marbs. His boss told him that’s not what recovering 80-year-olds want to hear. He also said that Arg was more like Christopher Robin than Chris Moyles or Evans.
• Joey announced to his sister Frankie that he is ready to move out and get his own place. However when Frankie talked about what bills he would have to pay he was clueless, not even knowing you have to pay TV licence or for water.
• Sam and Joey agreed to meet up and talk to clear the air so it isn’t as awkward when they see each other out.

Soap spoiler!!! Coronation Street 1- 7 October

It is the morning after the night before and Kevin is sure that he and Sally are back together. However, she is not convinced and finds herself torn when Jeff makes his intentions clear.

Becky is gutted when she gets Steve's offer of a divorce settlement, as it is far less than she thinks
she deserves. Tracy is quick to rub her nose in it when Becky finds her behind the bar of the Rovers. But the tables are tuned when Tracy collapses and is rushed to hospital. Meanwhile, Steve has his own worries when his dad Jim is sent down for a long stretch.

Kirk moves out to allow Carla to move in with Maria, who attempts a reconciliation with Chris. where she receives some rather startling news.

Elsewhere on the street, Sophie is shocked when Amber takes her out to a lesbian bar and seems to enjoy
herself just a little too much. Sophie promises that she won't divulge Amber's secret, as she is aware of how
Dev might react - but can she keep from confiding in Sian?

And in the Grimshaw household-Rosie catches Eileen on a dating website and decides that her profile needs sexing up and turns Eileen's 50th birthday do to disaster, the fire brigade even have to be called.

Lloyd's plans for a romantic dinner with Cheryl go awry when Chris arrives back from his appointment with the consultant - is he going to tell her his good news?